Oh Yes! Net Zero project helps Hull students tackle climate change

Students from secondary schools across Hull will take part in educational workshops in March to help them – and their friends, families and schools – to reduce their carbon footprints.

The Climate Changemakers project is an Oh Yes! Net Zero initiative that will help young people understand the causes and effects of climate change and the simple things they can do every day to cut their own carbon footprints, as well as the measures their schools can take.

In the workshops the students will meet researchers from the University of Hull who study the impact of climate change and the actions young people can take to change policy and inspire hope for the future. Activities will be hands-on and give the students opportunities to voice their opinions and ideas on how to tackle climate change.

Over the coming months, Oh Yes! Net Zero member C3 Group will carry out energy audits at each of the schools taking part and recommend ways they can cut their carbon emissions.

The schools can then apply for a grant, supported by Reckitt and Hull City Council, to put in place energy saving measures such as LED lighting, smart heating systems, solar panels or electric vehicle (EV) chargers.

Melissa Rackham, community engagement manager for Oh Yes! Net Zero, said: “The workshops will equip students with the knowledge they need to take personal action towards tackling climate change and to encourage their peers and family members to do the same.

“They’ll then have lots of opportunities to put what they’ve learned into practice, working with teachers, other staff and Oh Yes! Net Zero members to help their schools become more environmentally sustainable.”

C3 Group director Ash Wray said: “Like many other organisations and businesses across the UK, local schools are keen to take action to reduce their energy usage and carbon emissions, not just because it’s the right thing to do for the planet but also because it will bring down their costs.

“This project is a fantastic opportunity for schools to get external advice to help them understand their carbon footprint and the best options for reducing it.”